“The Funeral” by Matt James

A child’s eye view of loss: exploring the curiosity and wonder of a first funeral
Posted on December 17, 2024 by Monica Salazar (Blog Writer) SevenPonds

“The Funeral” by Matt James is an illustrated children’s book that offers a tender, curious and at times playful exploration of a young girl’s first experience with death. The story follows Norma, a school-aged girl about to attend her first funeral — that of her great-uncle Frank. At the outset, Norma is not particularly concerned with the weight of the occasion. Instead, she’s excited by the prospect of a day off from school and the chance to spend time with her favorite cousin, Ray. As the day unfolds, however, we see the funeral through Norma’s eyes — not as a somber rite, but as a curious, somewhat bewildering event full of small moments and mundane details.

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Posted in Lending Insight | Leave a comment

Ten Humorous Quotes About Death For the Holidays 

The holidays can be a difficult time the bereaved, but a little humor can sometimes ease the pain of grief
Posted on December 15, 2024 by Rory James Sullivan (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)
Stressed out man in front of Christmas decorations

Credit: RDNE Stock Project

For many, Christmas may indeed be “the most wonderful time of the year,” as Andy Williams croons incessantly on holiday playlists, but it can also bring a fair amount of stress. And it can be a particularly difficult time for people who are recently bereaved or caring for a seriously I’ll loved one.  We hope the following humorous quotes about death around the holidays will help put a little ho-ho-ho back in your life if the demands of the season are weighing on you.

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Posted in Laughter is Medicine | Leave a comment

End-of-Life Planners Offer Peace of Mind for Yourself & Loved Ones

From humorous to brass tacks, there's a planner for everyone
Posted on December 11, 2024 by Cassandra Seale (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)
Man holding an end of life planner in his home

Credit: Unsplash.com

If the shelves — and sales numbers — of booksellers are any indication, end-of-life planners are having a moment. And for good reason. From final wishes, to funeral plans, to financial matters, loved ones are too often left scrambling, all while in the midst of emotional turmoil. Something as simple as providing a journal with your essential data and requests can prevent untold trauma and confusion.

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Posted in Something Special | Leave a comment

Our Monthly Tip: Have a Candlelight Ceremony During the Holidays

Reflect upon a loved one's life with an intimate gathering around candles
Posted on December 10, 2024 by Caitlin Manner (Blog Writer) SevenPonds
A woman wearing a sweater lights a series of white, columnar candles atop a mantel which is also decorated with holiday evergreen garland

Credit: Unsplash.com

The ritual of lighting a candle to pay tribute to the life of a loved one has long been part of many cultures all over the world. The flame can symbolize the light that person brought to our lives, and the warmth with which we remember them. During the holidays, when candles play such a featured role in our celebrations, it is the perfect opportunity to have an evening candlelight ceremony in honor of a loved one. 

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The Sims 4 Explores Afterlife in “Life and Death” Expansion

Video game's scenarios surrounding death offer entertainment and useful life lessons
Posted on December 9, 2024 by Mitch Lobrovich (Blog Writer) SevenPonds
Grimterns learning magic in The Sims Life and Death.

Credit: Electronic Arts

People who counsel the dying and their loved ones often remark that our culture has a difficult time accepting death because we don’t want to talk about it. But the new “Life and Death” expansion pack for the long-running video game The Sims 4 allows players to plan for the deaths and funerals of their characters, and even have robust adventures in the afterlife.

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“Elephant” by Jason Isbell

A virtuoso storyteller, Jason Isbell paints a tender picture of a life ending
Posted on December 7, 2024 by Aaron Weaver (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)
Album cover photo of Jason Isbell for the album Southeastern

Credit: Southeastern Records

Jason Isbell’s “Elephant“ is a masterclass in storytelling through music, a heart-wrenching exploration of mortality and love — topics of which Isbell is no stranger. Nestled within his critically acclaimed 2013 album “Southeastern,” the song paints an unflinching portrait of a relationship burdened by terminal illness. Through its raw lyricism and stripped-down acoustic arrangement, “Elephant“ invites listeners to grapple with the emotional weight of loss while celebrating the power of human connection.

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Posted in Expressive Music | Leave a comment